❓ Hon Sue Ellery questions the Minister for Education regarding the appropriateness of Ashdale Primary School and Southern River College requesting parents to purchase expensive MacBooks, considering potential financial strain. The Minister clarifies that computer purchase is optional and alternative arrangements are available.
AnsweredQoN 1255Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
ASHDALE PRIMARY SCHOOL AND SOUTHERN RIVER COLLEGE —
COMPUTER PURCHASES
1255. Hon SUE ELLERY to the Minister for Education:
(1) Is the
minister aware that Ashdale Primary School has requested parents of year 3
students to purchase MacBook Air computers for $1 400 for use for the next
school year, and Southern River College has requested parents of year 7
students to purchase MacBooks for $1 800?
(2) Does the
minister believe it is appropriate to ask parents to buy MacBook Air computers
at these prices, given that many parents are already under financial pressure?
(3) Is the
minister aware of any payment programs that may assist parents who may not be
able to make one-off payments?
COMPUTER PURCHASES
1255. Hon SUE ELLERY to the Minister for Education:
(1) Is the
minister aware that Ashdale Primary School has requested parents of year 3
students to purchase MacBook Air computers for $1 400 for use for the next
school year, and Southern River College has requested parents of year 7
students to purchase MacBooks for $1 800?
(2) Does the
minister believe it is appropriate to ask parents to buy MacBook Air computers
at these prices, given that many parents are already under financial pressure?
(3) Is the
minister aware of any payment programs that may assist parents who may not be
able to make one-off payments?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The
principal and school board are best placed to determine the school requirements.
In both examples, the purchase of the computer is an option for parents. If
parents do not take up the option to purchase a computer, their children will
not be disadvantaged in their learning program. Parents were advised that if a device
was not provided, students would be provided with the equivalent level of
access to a compatible school-owned device at no charge.
(3) I am advised
that parents were provided with information on flexi-purchase plans as an
alternative to paying for the computer outright should they choose to purchase
a computer.
some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The
principal and school board are best placed to determine the school requirements.
In both examples, the purchase of the computer is an option for parents. If
parents do not take up the option to purchase a computer, their children will
not be disadvantaged in their learning program. Parents were advised that if a device
was not provided, students would be provided with the equivalent level of
access to a compatible school-owned device at no charge.
(3) I am advised
that parents were provided with information on flexi-purchase plans as an
alternative to paying for the computer outright should they choose to purchase
a computer.
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